A fast-growing shrub with abundant purple blossoms, Paraguay nightshade makes a pretty (albeit toxic) garden accent.
As a garden accent, Paraguay nightshade has a lot going for it.
Deer don’t usually bother it, nor is it plagued by any significant pests or diseases.
Perry L. Struse.
Plus, its pretty and prolific with blooms.
In fact, in 2012, the Royal Horticultural Society gaveLycianthes rantonnetiitheir prestigiousAward of Garden Merit.
All parts of the Paraguay nightshade plant are considered highly toxic to humans and pets.
Perry L. Struse.
Where to Plant Paraguay Nightshade
Plant Paraguay nightshade in a sunny location where it can spread.
The fragrant, fast-growing shrub tends to be apollinator magnet.
Paraguay nightshade makes a great complement to a mixed garden border.
Stephen Cridland.
It can also be grown as ahedge or wall-side border shrub.
How and When to Plant Paraguay Nightshade
Plant Paraguay nightshade in the spring in well-drained soil.
Backfill the hole with the displaced dirt, tamping down gently to remove air pockets.
Credit: Jerry Pavia
Water well after planting.
If planting more than one Paraguay nightshade plant, place them 6 to 10 feet apart.
Place them slightly closer ifgrowing a hedge.
Credit: Jay Wilde
The small blue flowers are followed by scarlet berries.
Flowers will appear in summer and fall.
Light
Paraguay nightshade thrives infull sun.
In partial sun or shady locations, it may grow leggy or produce fewer flowers.
It does not tolerate drought well, so ensure it gets about one inch of water a week.
More water is necessary duringextreme heat.
Temperature and Humidity
Paraguay nightshade prefers moderate humidity and temperatures between 65 and 100 Fahrenheit.
It is not cold hardy and fares best if winter temperatures stay above 50 .
Prolonged exposure to cool temperatures will cause the shrub to reduce flowering, drop leaves, and go dormant.
Or, if you prefer, use a granular, slow-release fertilizer every 3 to 4 months.
Look for one that islow in nitrogen and higher in phosphorus(5-10-10 or 5-10-5) to encourage flowering.
If you live in a cooler climate, decrease or stop fertilization during the winter months.
Pruning
Deadhead spent bloomsthroughout the growing season to encourage more flowering.
Remove dead and diseased branches as necessary.
If major pruning is necessary, usesharp, sterile shearsto prune your tree in winter before new growth begins.
Avoid removing more than one-third of the shrub.
Potting and Repotting
Paraguay nightshade makes anexcellent container plantespecially if you live in a cooler climate.
Be sure to choose a large, deep container with ample drainage.
In frost-free climates, Paraguay nightshade can remain outside year-round.
Fill your pot with a high-quality potting mix and evenly balance your shrub in the pot.
Plan to water daily to ensure its water requirements are met.
Mix aslow-release fertilizerinto the soil in early spring to supply nutrients through summer.
The best time to pot or repot your Paraguay nightshade is in the spring.
To repot, remove the plant from its container and soak the root ball.
Replace the pebbles or pot shards and add afresh layer of soil.
Center the shrub in the pot and backfill the container with fresh soil, tamping down as you work.
Plan to repot your Paraguay nightshade every 2 years or when itoutgrows its container.
If your shrub gets too large to repot, replace the top layers of soil every 2 years.
Overwintering
Paraguay nightshade will not tolerate frost and should be overwintered indoors in cooler climates.
Prune in early winter and bring your shrub inside before temperatures drop below 45 Fahrenheit.
Keep your Paraguay nightshade in a bright location that stays between 50 and 65 Fahrenheit.
Do not fertilize, but keep the plant regularly watered.
Do not allow the soil to dry out.
Keep it evenly moist.
Move your shrub outside once temperatures are consistently above 50 .
Pests and Problems
In ideal growing conditions, Paraguay nightshade has few issues with pests and diseases.
Otherwise, it is prone to occasional attacks from aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites.
To prepare, water your shrub well 24 hours before taking a cutting.
Look for a 4 to 6-inch semi-hardwood cutting and cut the stem below a leaf node.
Remove any leaves from the bottom of the cutting and dip it inrooting hormone powder.
you could place 2 or 3 cuttings in the same container.
Water deeply until the excess drains from the pot.
Once your cuttings have developed roots, remove the plastic bag.
When the roots are approximately 1 inch long, transplant your cuttings into separate containers.
Paraguay Nightshade Alba
Lycianthes rantonnetii’Alba' is a white-flowering Paraguay nightshade cultivar.
The white blooms occasionally bear irregular lavender or blue-violet stripeswhich adds an element of surprise to every blossom.
It has a sprawling habit and can be trained as a vine or tree.
Hardy in zones 3-11, the sunny daisy-like flowers need little care to flourish.
Plus, they bloom from June to August and sometimes well into fall.
Black-eyed Susan plants prefer full sun and moist to dry, well-draining soils.
Perennial Salvia
Perennial salviais a popular choice for cottage and coastal gardens.
There arenearly 1,000 species of salviaworldwide, some of which are tall, sprawling shrub-like plants.
These stately perennials make excellent garden bed companions for Paraguay nightshade.
Plus, they are easy to grow, drought-tolerant, and deer-resistant.
Theprairie garden favoritehappily reseedsespecially in mild climatesbut is highly attractive to butterflies, bees, and other pollinators.
Verbena plants prefer full sun and moist, well-drained soil.
Frequently Asked Questions
With proper care and placement, most Paraguay nightshade plants live approximately 20 years.
Lycianthes rantonnetii, blue potato bush.
North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension.
Is the Royal Robe Potato Bush Poisonous?Cornell University Animal Science.
ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants.
